This is how often you should wash your reusable water bottle

To help the environment and reduce your use of single-use plastics, a reusable water bottle is the right eco-friendly choice.

They are useful, convenient and sometimes pretty stylish, providing you with much-needed water throughout the day.

But it can be easy to just keep refilling the bottle with water without giving it a proper clean. So how often should you be cleaning it?

Countryliving.com/uk spoke to the Good Housekeeping Institute (GHI) to find out how often you should wash your bottle to be on the safe and healthy side.

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'Any type of reusable water bottle should be washed after each use to avoid bacteria growing and spreading,' they said.

'Use washing up liquid and hot water ensuring you get into all the nooks and crannies, such as the threaded neck and cap. Alternatively, use your dishwasher if it is dishwasher-safe.'

Bacteria and germs thrive in moist environments so not washing your water bottle enough provides the perfect conditions for germs to grow. So the next time you are thinking of just giving your bottle a quick rinse, reach for the washing-up liquid as well.

If you can't quite manage every time, you should certainly do it as often as you can.

If you're looking for an eco-conscious alternative to single-use plastic bottles and less washing up, how about using the 100% plastic-free biodegradable water bottle, called Choose Water?

Invented by 27-year-old James Longcroft, the bottle completely decomposes within just three weeks. It doesn't leave behind any toxic microfibres, which can cause harm to the environment and is made from natural materials.